Follow KPCC

Work permits for undocumented immigrants start this week under government’s new policy

by Patt Morrison

U.S. President Barack Obama delivers remarks about the Department of Homeland Security's recent announcement about deportation of illegal immigrants in the Rose Garden at the White House June 15, 2012 in Washington, DC. With the DREAM Act unable to gain traction in Congress, Obama announced that his administration would stop deporting some young people who came to U.S. as children of illegal immigrants.Alex Wong/Getty Images

Share

This coming Wednesday over 350,000 California DREAMers – formerly undocumented immigrants without the right to work – will become eligible to join the state’s labor force as a result of President Obama’s “deferred action” policy. The president announced the policy, which allows immigrants who meet certain conditions work permits, in June of this year.

The policy has been criticized both for the possibility that it will create a “second-class citizenship,” as well as for its timing, as it potentially adds more workers to an already struggling job market. Proponents point out that the numbers of work permits due to be issued in California are merely a drop in the bucket, and that many of those eligible are already working. The new policy will allow them to take jobs that are not under the table, as well as pay taxes.

WEIGH IN:

How do you think this change in policy will affect California’s economy?

Guests:

Muzaffar Chishti, director of the Migration Policy Institute’s office at New York University School of Law

Steven Rafael, professor of public policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley; his research involves labor, immigration, and economics

Jose Alberto Saldivar, one of many who might now be able to apply for a work permit under the new policy

Recently on Patt Morrison

About Patt Morrison

Patt Morrison is a live two-hour public affairs show. The program is known for its innovative discussions of local politics and culture, and for its presentation of national and world news as it affects Southern California.